Improvement in combined key-hole guards and door-securers



GEORGE WHEELER. lmp rovement ih Combined Key-Hole Guard and Door-Securer.

Patented April 30, I872.

NMwnw.

EIVES P17095555,

UNITED STATES" PATENT OFFICE.

GEORGE WHEELER, OF NEW SPRINGVILLE, NEW YORK.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 126,360, dated April 30, 1872.

Specification describing a certain Improve ment in Door-Fasteners, invented by GEORGE WHEELER, of New Springville, Richmond county, in the State of New York.

My invention is an improvement on the flat key-hole guard previously patented in which a flat bar tapped with one or more holes is inserted in the key-hole, and fastened to the key, after the key is turned, to throw out the bolt. It consists in adding a second screw, adapted to bore readily into wood and hold therein when required, and to be clamped flat against the bar by the main screw when not required, so as, by the combination, to constitute either a key-guard or a door-button, as required.

The following is a description of what I consider the best means of carrying out the invention.

The accompanying drawing forms a part of this specification.

Figure 1 is a view of the device as adjusted for transportation. Fig. 2 is a view at right angles to the above. Fig. 3 shows the device in use applied to along key. It is a plan view with a portion of the door; Fig. 4 is a corresponding view, showing the device applied to a short key. In both these instances (Fig. 3 and Fig. 4) the function of the device is to stand in the key-hole and prevent the key from being turned by nippers applied from the outside. Figs. 5 and 6 show the device perforniihg a very different function; this is that of a peculiarly-efficient and convenient button for securing the door. Fig. 5 is a plan view, and Fig. 6 is a face view of the device so applied.

Similar letters of reference indicate like parts in all the figures.

A is a piece of brass or other suitable material, formed as represented, and provided with three holes, a a a all of similar size, and similarly tapped. B is a screw with a large milled head, adapted to match in either of the holes. 0 is a deeply-threaded screw with a gimlet point, adapted to enter and hold in wood. The diameter of the screw 0 is small, that it with its threads may slip freely in and out through either of the holes. The head of the screw 0 is a ring, as represented.

In the use of my improved doonfastener, to prevent the turning of the key I thrust the piece A into the key-hole, after the key is turned, and insert the screw B through the ring of the key into one of the holes a a a. The choice of holes allows the same device to apply conveniently to keys of greatly-dilfering lengths. When a key is short the screw B is inserted in the hole a and when the key is very long it is inserted in the hole (6. But this device and this use of it has been before known, and is not here claimed.

When my device is to be used as a button the screw B is laid aside or inserted in one of the other holes, and the screw 0 is put in use, introducing it through the hole a, and screwing it deeply and strongly into the door-frame adjacent to the door. It thus serves as a pivotscrew, by which the piece A is strongly confined in a manner analogous to an ordinary turning button. It need not be left sufficient- 1y loose to be turned, but may be screwed up firmly against the door and the post. The screw B may then be inserted in thehole a and turned to indent itself in the door as a further security.

When my device is to be carried in the pocket the ring-screw C is laid flatwise against the plane side of the piece A, and the screw B is introduced through the ring into one of the holes a a a and screwed up so as to confine the screw (J firmly against the side of the piece A, and the whole is then ready.

I claim as my invention- The bar A, having two or more holes, a a &c., tapped therein, in combination with the screw B, exchangeable in the several holes, and with the ring-screw 0, adapted to serve therewith, as herein specified.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 12th day of March, 187 2, in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

GEORGE YVHEELER.

Witnesses:

ARNOLD HORMANN, WM. 0. DEY. 

